Are You Defined by Your Title?

It’s a simple question most of us hear on a regular basis. Which we reply with something like:

“I’m an account executive.”

“I’m a coach.”

“I’m a fitness instructor.”

“I’m an artist.”

“I’m a stay at home mom.”

“I’m a business owner.”

Instinctively our job titles define us as human beings. Aren’t you more than a generic label though? Yes, of course!

You are so much more than your profession. Loving your career is one thing, but you should never feel restricted by who and what your title says you are.

“Examine the labels you apply to yourself. Every label is a boundary or limit you will not let yourself cross.” ~ Wayne Dyer

This goes far beyond careers as well…

“She’s a vegan.”

“He’s a teacher.”

“She’s a cancer survivor.”

For some reason we all want to slap a label on everything… preferences, characteristics, jobs/roles. Perhaps, it makes things easier to group together and categorize.

Whatever the reason, we often allow titles and labels to corner us into thinking, “well that’s just the way things are because I’m XYZ.” This can severely restrict your ability to make decisions. And one cannot live an intentional life by having their choices restricted.

Coming from the corporate world, I struggled with finding my “true purpose” post career. When my son was born, I tried taking on all the quintessential mommy/wife roles like preparing dinner and baking. It just didn’t work for me, I DO NOT like cooking! I’m many things, AND chef did not make the list and undoubtedly never will (I’d rather do the dishes)!

Just because I am a wife and a mother I don’t solely identify with those characteristics. I find joy and happiness in all of the “things” that make me, me. That includes being a successful business owner, a fitness aficionado, a tennis player, a daughter, a friend, a sister, a leader, a mentor, a strategist – you get the idea, the list can go on and on for most of us.

So the next time someone asks the age old question, “What do you do?”, take a moment and craft your answer appropriately.

Hi, my name is Dana and I am a loving mommy, lover of books, hooked on learning and growing, avid gym-goer, educator of small business owners and an overall happy, healthy, optimistic woman. How’s that for an answer?